Matt Damon Names the Film He Calls a “Perfect Movie”

Matt Damon once shared his thoughts on some of the films he considers “perfect” during a 2021 interview with Rotten Tomatoes. When asked about his favorite movies, Damon’s picks highlighted the actors and directors who have influenced him most, especially Robert De Niro.

Among his top choices was Francis Ford Coppola’s classic The Godfather, Part II.

“I’ve always said Godfather 2. I think that movie’s pretty near perfect,” Damon said. He praised the film for its direction, writing, acting, and production values. “It’s really amazing,” he added.

Damon also recalled a conversation with Martin Scorsese while filming The Departed, where Scorsese agreed that the second installment surpassed the first. “He had more money,” Damon quoted Scorsese as saying, highlighting how Coppola’s resources allowed him to expand the story and elevate the production.

Damon’s admiration didn’t stop at crime dramas. He also named Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975) as a “terrifying, perfect movie.” He described it as simple, beautiful, and brilliantly executed, noting the innovative decision to limit the shark’s on-screen presence.

“It tapped into the most primal and terrifying aspects of swimming in the ocean,” Damon explained. He praised Spielberg’s skill in visual storytelling, comparing it to Hemingway’s writing—simple words arranged in ways no one else had thought of.

In addition to these, Damon highlighted other films starring De Niro, including Goodfellas and Midnight Run, which shaped his appreciation for storytelling and performance.

Both The Godfather, Part II and Jaws are widely regarded as milestones in cinema history. The Godfather, Part II won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and is often cited as one of the greatest sequels ever made, praised for its complex narrative and deep character development.

Jaws, meanwhile, is considered the birth of the modern summer blockbuster. It earned critical acclaim for its suspense, direction, and innovative use of music to create tension, leaving a lasting mark on the thriller and horror genres.

Damon’s choices reflect not only personal taste but also an understanding of cinema history. The Godfather, Part II and Jaws continue to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike, demonstrating how masterful direction, acting, and storytelling can create enduring classics.

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